What to expect when you’re expecting Microsoft to announce the next Xbox

What we know, what we think we know, and what we probably won't know for a while.

When Microsoft officially announces the next Xbox tomorrow, it will have been 2,932 days since the company last unveiled a new video game console. In those eight years and 10 days, Sony and Nintendo have combined to unveil six pieces of hardware across the home and portable markets. Apple and Google have revolutionized the mobile phone and gaming markets with iOS and Android. Microsoft itself has even gone through three PC and two mobile operating system launches.

So it's fair to say that the pressure is on to make the follow-up to the Xbox 360 as much of a durable and long-lasting product as its predecessor. Here's a primer on what to expect and what not to expect from Microsoft's big event tomorrow.

Price and release date

It's hard to remember now, but Microsoft's star-studded Xbox 360 reveal event in May of 2005 didn't actually mention anything about the system's price or release date. That information didn't come out until August of that year. The safe money is on Microsoft holding these crucial details close to its chest again this time around, at least for the time being.

That said, 2013 is a bit different from 2005 for one major reason: Sony. The PS3 was still largely a pipe dream when the Xbox 360 was unveiled, but this year Sony has already been hyping its competing system for months. Beating Sony to the punch with a price point and specific release date could make Microsoft's console seem a little more real than Sony's system, which the press has yet to play or even see in the form of a plastic shell. Then again, an early reveal gives consumers more of a chance to whine about the system being too expensive and too far away. It's a double-edged sword.

Until an official announcement, we're stuck with the speculation about the price, which ranges from Paul Thurrot's suggestion of a $500 system with a subscription discount to last year's supposed Microsoft leak pointing to a $299 system. As for a launch date, you can bet your bottom dollar it will be on store shelves before Thanksgiving here in the US.

Hardware specs

For a system that doesn't officially exist, we have a surprising amount of alleged information about the hardware inside the next Xbox. Multiplereportspoint to an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, an 800 Mhz GPU that supports Direct3D 11.x, and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Other leaks point to a Blu-ray disc drive and dedicated processors for things like video compression and 7.1 surround sound.

And let's not forget about that Microsoft patent for a scalable, modular hardware system that would easily allow for multiple versions of the system with different capabilities. Then there are thereports that the system will include a direct hookup for a cable box or satellite dish, allowing for integration with the world of live TV through more than just Internet apps.

Don't be shocked if Microsoft uses tomorrow's event to highlight the raw horsepower of its upcoming hardware more than specific software. Even if the company doesn't discuss specific numbers as much, you can bet they'll take great pains to show off just how many more polygons and particles and lighting effects its new system can display. Still, we'd be surprised if things like Ultra HD support or stereoscopic 3D were a major focus.

Controllers

Considering how much we know about the supposed internals of Microsoft's next system, we know surprisingly little about how the Xbox 360 controller will evolve. The best information I've heard is that the new controller will incorporate some sort of touchpad, possibly built on top of a standard, clickable d-pad, but that information is far from reliable.

We've heard more about the widely expected follow-up to the Kinect, which could actually be required to use the new system, according to at least one report. That new motion sensor will apparently increase the resolution of both the depth-sensing and RGB cameras and track up to six players with more articulation than the original Kinect.

Then there are the touchscreen controllers you already carry in your pocket or bag. Expect the next Xbox to put an increased focus on the smartphone and tablet integration Microsoft introduced to the Xbox 360 last year as Smartglass. We expect a big focus on being able to interact with the new system through these touchscreen devices even when away from home.

Software

While playing games is the whole point of new console hardware, there's some reason to believe that tomorrow's event will focus more on pure hardware features rather than major new game announcements. For one, Microsoft needs to save something for the press conference it's still planning on putting on the day before E3 starts, which is less than three weeks away. For another, Microsoft is currently scheduling press meetings for seven (count 'em!) currently unannounced titles at its E3 booth. It seems unlikely that it would blow all those announcements in a one-hour presentation that's meant to display its new system for the first time.

All that said, we wouldn't be surprised if there were at least one or two big software announcements tomorrow just to whet everyone's appetites. A teaser for a new Halo game seems like a surefire crowd-pleaser, and a new franchise that shows off the potential of a new Kinect also seems like a relatively safe bet. We also wouldn't be shocked if Microsoft brings out a major publisher like Activision or EA to talk about how excited they are for this new hardware and then highlight some exclusive content they'll be bringing to the new Xbox.

’Net connections and used games

Judging by Internet comments, this may be the most important question to be answered tomorrow. Reports that Microsoft's next system will use some method to block the play of used games have been circulating for more than a year now, and in recent months those rumors have centered ona requiredInternet connection to enforce that blockage, along with one-time installs for disc-based games. Let's not forget about the tweeted suggestion to "deal with it" ("It" being a supposed online requirement) that led to the termination of former Microsoft Studios creative director Adam Orth.

Given all that build-up, it was a bit surprising when Ars received word from an insider source about a Microsoft memo suggesting that things like playing single-player games, watching Blu-ray movies, and playing live TV through the next Xbox should "just work," even when the system is offline. We stand by that report and think it largely overrules all the rumors that came before it (and it gels with a recent rumor that DRM decisions will be left up to publishers).

That doesn't mean Microsoft hadn't been planning a different, more online-dependent strategy previously. The fact that Sony has largely dispelled rumors of any always-online or used-game-blocking capabilities for its system suggests a less restrictive move by Microsoft. Here at Ars, we've long thought that this kind of move could only work if both Microsoft and Sony moved in the same direction at the same time.

NeXtBox: 1,000,000 to 1, and you also get to punch me square in the face (it will distract me from the utter stupidity of the console's name)

And the rest…

Microsoft community manager Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb poked some fun at Sony for not showing off the actual console shell at its February PS4 event. Expect Microsoft to at least show a prototype of what the system will look like tomorrow.

The main announcement portion of tomorrow's event is scheduled to last just one hour, clocking in much shorter than the two-hour or so PS4 unveiling.

The press has been promised an opportunity to "get up close and personal with the new generation via interactive experiences." This suggests some brief hands-on time, but it could also refer to an interactive paintball tournament or something. We just don't know!

All indications are that this event was originally planned for April. Hopefully the delay will lend more substance to tomorrow's announcements.

Can't wait. Love the turn of a new generation in gaming. I am fully hyped for the PS4 and Sony's focus on serving gamers first. Here's hoping Microsoft gets my hype up anywhere close to that. It's just been so damn long since we've had major new console hardware (sorry Wii U ... ).

Taking a long lunch to watch this with a friend tomorrow. I love hype! Bring it on!

I kinda want them to call it the "New XBox", partly because of what that sounds like when said rapidly, and partly because calling something the "New [blank]" gets really funny when the next version gets released.

1. Pics of the shell, controller, and Kinect2. Details on the tech specs3. A game demo or three4. Maybe a mock up of the new UI.

Leave E3 for the games although with a run time of only an hour I can't see how we'll get too much information, especially with some 3rd party studios getting face time (unless they're not part of the main reveal).

edit Forgot to say I want the name revealed but that seems to be an obvious one.

WTF does Desktop and phone OS launches have to do with a game console ?

I used to have a watch that played Pac-Man. Since the last XBox launch I've seen someone build out Tetris on an oscilloscope. The primary use for the Desktop systems and Phones is not gaming. Whereas gaming consoles are marketed specifically for playing video games w/ other abilities.

I can tell the time from looking at the clock on my toaster - does that mean Cuisinart is marketing a Clock with toaster functionality ?

Well, it does put things in perspective and gives the reader a general idea of how much other technology has changed in the same time period.

It's kinda hard to figure out how they can make the name cooler, it has not 1 but 2 X's in it, on being capitalised!

So long as the rumoured projection to the surrounding walls thing is true I'm sold, also I'm pretty much buying the ps4 as well, heck im buying both even at the stupid inflated Australian price. I am a consumer! Commence sending me targetted advertisements for things I've already purchased and only need one of.

edit. also xboxi (where the eye is from eeeee to the eyexpie(love pie) +1), not the apple I meaning the subject

When Microsoft officially announces the next Xbox tomorrow, it will have been 2,932 days since the company last unveiled a new video game console. In those eight years and 10 days, Sony and Nintendo have combined to unveil six pieces of hardware across the home and portable markets. Apple and Google have revolutionized the mobile phone and gaming markets with iOS and Android. Microsoft itself has even gone through three PC and two mobile operating system launches.

WTF does Desktop and phone OS launches have to do with a game console ?

I used to have a watch that played Pac-Man. Since the last XBox launch I've seen someone build out Tetris on an oscilloscope. The primary use for the Desktop systems and Phones is not gaming. Whereas gaming consoles are marketed specifically for playing video games w/ other abilities.

I can tell the time from looking at the clock on my toaster - does that mean Cuisinart is marketing a Clock with toaster functionality ?

Really, WTF do a desktop and a phone OS have to do with each other?

MS is on a huge kick to consolidate all of their offerings under one umbrella. So from that side of things it makes sense that the XBox would be called XBox 8. It ties in with the rest of the current market strategy.

That said I don't think it makes any sense. The Xbox will be around for a while... the article went to great lengths to remind us that it's been nearly a decade since the 360 was released. Windows 8 is slated to be replaced with Windows 9 in about a year. The phone OS is on the same schedule.

Given that the Xbox is intended to sit in the entertainment stand for 8 years give or take, giving it a name that ties it to 2013 would be a bad move. When Windows 11 comes out in a few years XBox 8 will seem very dated.

Based on the likely longevity of the machine I don't see linking the thing to their 2013 marketing strategy as a very good move. But it's MS so who knows?

When Microsoft officially announces the next Xbox tomorrow, it will have been 2,932 days since the company last unveiled a new video game console. In those eight years and 10 days, Sony and Nintendo have combined to unveil six pieces of hardware across the home and portable markets. Apple and Google have revolutionized the mobile phone and gaming markets with iOS and Android. Microsoft itself has even gone through three PC and two mobile operating system launches.

WTF does Desktop and phone OS launches have to do with a game console ?

I used to have a watch that played Pac-Man. Since the last XBox launch I've seen someone build out Tetris on an oscilloscope. The primary use for the Desktop systems and Phones is not gaming. Whereas gaming consoles are marketed specifically for playing video games w/ other abilities.

I can tell the time from looking at the clock on my toaster - does that mean Cuisinart is marketing a Clock with toaster functionality ?

Really, WTF do a desktop and a phone OS have to do with each other?

MS is on a huge kick to consolidate all of their offerings under one umbrella. So from that side of things it makes sense that the XBox would be called XBox 8. It ties in with the rest of the current market strategy.

That said I don't think it makes any sense. The Xbox will be around for a while... the article went to great lengths to remind us that it's been nearly a decade since the 360 was released. Windows 8 is slated to be replaced with Windows 9 in about a year. The phone OS is on the same schedule.

Given that the Xbox is intended to sit in the entertainment stand for 8 years give or take, giving it a name that ties it to 2013 would be a bad move. When Windows 11 comes out in a few years XBox 8 will seem very dated.

Based on the likely longevity of the machine I don't see linking the thing to their 2013 marketing strategy as a very good move. But it's MS so who knows?

When Microsoft officially announces the next Xbox tomorrow, it will have been 2,932 days since the company last unveiled a new video game console. In those eight years and 10 days, Sony and Nintendo have combined to unveil six pieces of hardware across the home and portable markets. Apple and Google have revolutionized the mobile phone and gaming markets with iOS and Android. Microsoft itself has even gone through three PC and two mobile operating system launches.

WTF does Desktop and phone OS launches have to do with a game console ?

I used to have a watch that played Pac-Man. Since the last XBox launch I've seen someone build out Tetris on an oscilloscope. The primary use for the Desktop systems and Phones is not gaming. Whereas gaming consoles are marketed specifically for playing video games w/ other abilities.

I can tell the time from looking at the clock on my toaster - does that mean Cuisinart is marketing a Clock with toaster functionality ?

And what IS the primary use for Desktop systems? Is there such a thing? And the primary use for a $350 phone is to place calls, yes?

I mean, maybe the xbox platform hasn't been utterly cannibalized by microsoft's other gaming platform (windows), and Steam/Origin or mmos haven't shown how important pc gaming is right now, and maybe phones/tablets haven't positioned themselves as viable platform for casual gaming despite a growing market for them. sorry if i sound harsh but your comment just seems out of place.

The fact that this new x86 console is gonna have dated hardware barely worth notice means that not only all the games developed for it will likely appear on PCs, but they will look/feel smoother and better...

When Microsoft officially announces the next Xbox tomorrow, it will have been 2,932 days since the company last unveiled a new video game console. In those eight years and 10 days, Sony and Nintendo have combined to unveil six pieces of hardware across the home and portable markets. Apple and Google have revolutionized the mobile phone and gaming markets with iOS and Android. Microsoft itself has even gone through three PC and two mobile operating system launches.

WTF does Desktop and phone OS launches have to do with a game console ?

I used to have a watch that played Pac-Man. Since the last XBox launch I've seen someone build out Tetris on an oscilloscope. The primary use for the Desktop systems and Phones is not gaming. Whereas gaming consoles are marketed specifically for playing video games w/ other abilities.

I can tell the time from looking at the clock on my toaster - does that mean Cuisinart is marketing a Clock with toaster functionality ?

It was to highlight the passage of time, not to imply that one update timecycle was inherently superior.

So it looks like both Microsoft and Sony will be using AMD chips in their next consoles. I wonder if it will be the same chip, or if each vendor is getting a customized version. Either way, this seems like a much needed winning streak for AMD.

So it looks like both Microsoft and Sony will be using AMD chips in their next consoles. I wonder if it will be the same chip, or if each vendor is getting a customized version. Either way, this seems like a much needed winning streak for AMD.

I don't have much expectations for the next xbox announcement. I expect it will be focused heavily on social media and non-gaming related entertainment with the same old gaming series being shown off.

If MS really wanted to wow me and after years of disappointment make me excited about the xbox again then they will have to do two things. First is no longer require Xbox Live Gold for online features in games, and second is a ton of great exclusive games beyond the same few series.

1:1000 Odds BUT the chance to punch Kyle in the face? Hmmm, tough choice...

As for the NeXtBox 720 Infinity, I hope it has the version of Kinect that consistently works. As it is now it alternates between hearing me give Netflix commands on the first try and not responding to 7+ commands.

It had better tie into the system somehow, I can't stop looking at it.

That said I do hope they show off a few games, the system, everything Sony didn't. The PS4 looks interesting so hopefully they've beefed up this presentation to really make this thing look good and not with just tech demos, though I expect to see those too. Sort of hope they don't go with Xbox 8 though, I get the Windows reference but that's all it is. Then again they did it with the phone so I could see it making some sense if you were familiar with their portfolio and not busy wondering where the other 5 Xbox's were.

It had better tie into the system somehow, I can't stop looking at it.

That said I do hope they show off a few games, the system, everything Sony didn't. The PS4 looks interesting so hopefully they've beefed up this presentation to really make this thing look good and not with just tech demos, though I expect to see those too. Sort of hope they don't go with Xbox 8 though, I get the Windows reference but that's all it is. Then again they did it with the phone so I could see it making some sense if you were familiar with their portfolio and not busy wondering where the other 5 Xbox's were.

I think MS will be cute with the name and instead of calling it Xbox 8, call it Xbox Infinity which is basically a sideways 8.

MS did go from the Xbox to Xbox 360 and no one really seriously asked what happened to the other 359 Xbox models.

On the new Xbox, I think there's definitely room for a new shooter with a strong focus on multi-player to come to the forefront. Halo and Gears have lost their shine. Aside from its strong sales, there's certainly nothing shiny about the polished turd known as CoD, which has made 10 round trips through the sewer system already.

To the person who thinks Windows 9 is around the corner, you clearly are not looking at what Microsoft is doing, Windows 9 won't be released for at least 5 years. Microsoft is going to release at least 4 updates to Windows 8. The first one 8.1 is going to be free to all everyone that purchased Windows 8.0.

Office will receive multiple free updates because of the Windows RT updates that will happen. Sadly we already know Visual Studio will only received 3 updates which have already been released.

When Microsoft officially announces the next Xbox tomorrow, it will have been 2,932 days since the company last unveiled a new video game console. In those eight years and 10 days, Sony and Nintendo have combined to unveil six pieces of hardware across the home and portable markets. Apple and Google have revolutionized the mobile phone and gaming markets with iOS and Android. Microsoft itself has even gone through three PC and two mobile operating system launches.

WTF does Desktop and phone OS launches have to do with a game console ?

I used to have a watch that played Pac-Man. Since the last XBox launch I've seen someone build out Tetris on an oscilloscope. The primary use for the Desktop systems and Phones is not gaming. Whereas gaming consoles are marketed specifically for playing video games w/ other abilities.

I can tell the time from looking at the clock on my toaster - does that mean Cuisinart is marketing a Clock with toaster functionality ?

I used to have a home (read: "personal") computer with a cartridge slot that could play games just like an NES. Two, actually, though I had a lot more carts for the TI-99/4A than I did for the C64. Playing games has always been A (if not THE) primary use for desktop systems. I sure didn't buy a GTX-five-whatever to word-process. The primary purpose of a personal computer is to do whatever it can in the service of its owners and/or users, and for plenty of people, that is and/or was gaming (yeah, yeah, I know, [citation needed], but you know it's true...).

Likewise, for phones, while it may be argued that the purpose of the cell phone is to make yourself available to others 24/7 (or some significant percentage of that time), I'm sure we all know people who spend more time assassinating fruit than actually, you know, talking on their phones. In this modern age, you can't say that "making calls" is the "primary" use for a phone. Heck, I don't even know how long I spent playing Tetris on my candy-bar feature phone in college...

Kyle Orland / Kyle is the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica, specializing in video game hardware and software. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He is based in Pittsburgh, PA.